A-Rod says he'll be 'a little nervous' in return

AP

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Alex Rodriguez predicts he'll be "a little nervous" when he returns to the field Wednesday for his first game in 17 months following a season-long drug suspension.

The three-time AL MVP, who turns 40 in July, skipped the New York Yankees' spring training opener Tuesday against Philadelphia in Clearwater. He is slated to be a designated hitter for two or three at-bats against the Phillies on Wednesday at Steinbrenner Field.

He says he's "excited for tomorrow" and adds: "I'm not sure how ready, but I'll give it a shot."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi says of Rodriguez: "He was caught. He paid his time and now he's back, and he's a Yankee and we're going to cheer for him."